Living with the seasons: how to naturally connect with winter

February 13, 2018

Although we are almost through winter in the Northern Hemisphere, some elements are lingering. Until we feel the natural Yang energy uprising that will be happening in a few weeks, it might be helpful to remember the following:

Look at the yin and yang circle.

Winter is the black portion of the symbol: full Yin, dark, cold, still, feminine, night, the moon.

The element for winter is water, the dominant organ is the kidneys, the emotion is fear and the colour is black.

An imbalance in your own water element will show up as excess fear, lower back ache, lack of creativity, insomnia, urinary tract infections, infertility, excess grey hair and ear/hearing problems.

To balance or nourish your water element and your kidneys:

⋆ keep warm (socks, slippers, hats and scarves)- use a hot water bottle under your feet to access the beginning of the kidney meridian,
⋆ spend some time outside every day, in daylight,
⋆ eat warm food at each meal (ditch salads and sandwiches for now),
⋆ rest as much as possible. The kidneys will become depleted if over exerted during winter,
⋆ write/journal or read to support your creativity,
⋆ drink enough water that is right for you. Listen to your body and don’t rely on tea as your only source of hydration,
⋆ accept the slowness of the season. Our need for hibernation is the same as nature: to prepare ourselves for spring,
⋆ bathe often – use magnesium salts.

But above all, don’t give yourself a hard time if you overindulge or aren’t able to slow down the way you would like.

You are a human.

Be kind to yourself and like the constant change of Yin and Yang, balance out the excess with extra rest and some good food.